Association between psychological disorders and migraine in young U.S. adults with gender-specific analysis and marital status considerations
摘要
Emerging biopsychosocial perspectives emphasize the complex interplay between psychological burden and migraine, particularly during young adulthood—a period marked by neurodevelopmental vulnerability and shifting social roles. However, gender-specific associations and the modifying role of marital status in this context remain poorly understood.
MethodsThis population-based study analyzed 3,180 U.S. young adults aged 20–39 years using the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Migraine was identified via self-reported symptoms and medication use; psychological disorders were assessed using standardized CIDI modules consistent with DSM-IV. Gender-stratified multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between migraine and three psychological disorders: depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Interaction terms were incorporated to assess effect modification by marital status.
ResultsAmong young adult male participants, both depressive disorder (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.01–6.67) and panic disorder (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.03–5.07) were significantly associated with migraine. Marital status modified the panic-migraine association, with the strongest risk observed in those widowed/divorced/separated. In contrast, among young adult female participants, only generalized anxiety disorder demonstrated a robust association with migraine (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.59–5.16), and a similar marital gradient was observed.
ConclusionsThis study highlights distinct gender-based psychological correlates of migraine and reveals the social context of marital status as a potential modifier. These findings underscore the need for sex-sensitive and psychosocially informed strategies in migraine assessment and intervention, aligning with biopsychosocial models of pain and the goals of integrated headache care.